Shofar

The Shofar is a trumpet made of an animal's horn, preferably a bent Ram's horn. It can also be made from the horns of other Kosher animals, including those of a goat or sheep, but a cow's horn is not acceptable nor are the antlers of a deer or similar animals who's horns are a solid piece. It also may not be constructed of an artificial instrument - it must be an instrument in its natural form and naturally hollow.

The Shofar is one of the earliest instruments used in Jewish music, and is traditionally played during the month of Elul, which is the last month in the Hebrew calender, and during the first ten days of the Hebrew year (the days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur). A person should hear at least 100 blasts from the Shofar on each day of Rosh Hashanah. The blowing of the Shofar is the only specific commandment for Rosh Hashanah.

There are three sounds made with the shofar:

• Tekiah - One long blast with a clear tone
• Shevarim - Three shorter blasts
• Teruah - A series of quick blasts (nine or more)
• Tekiah Gedolah - a single unbroken blast, held as long as possible

The significance of the Shofar

The sound of the shofar arouses our souls to repentance. We blow the shofar to show that we accept God as our king, as it says in Tehillim (Psalms) 98:6, "With trumpets and the sound of the shofar make a call out before the King, God".

In Biblical times the shofar was blown to announce an important event, such as the alarm of war, the coming of peace or to announce the New Moon. The shofar was heard when we received the Torah and the ten commandments to Moses at Mount Sinai as it says in Shemot (Exodus) 19:16, "And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there was thunder and lightning, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the Shofar extremely loud; so that all the people that were in the camp trembled." Thus when we hear the shofar we are reminded to strengthen our commitment to the Torah.

The Shofar reminds us of the ram God brought to Abraham just as he tied down his son Isaac in preparation for the ultimate sacrifice.

More about the Shofar

• Buy Ram's Horn and Yemenite Shofar
• Buy a genuine Israeli Shofar